About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have a long-term impact.
The Program / Department / Team
The USAID Informal Livelihoods Advancement Activity (Iqlaa) is a five-year USAID-funded program that started in 2022 and aims to support Jordan's HBBs and MSEs to grow, transform, and become resilient to future shocks. Iqlaa’s approach explores new ways of doing business and improving access to finance, markets, and services. The program focuses on four sectors: agriculture, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, and services, with a special focus on technology development and implementation. Iqlaa infuses a gender, youth, and social inclusion lens throughout all interventions.
The Research and Learning component within Iqlaa plays a central role in grounding the program's activities in robust evidence and informing the development of said activities through a rigorous research process. The Research and Learning component focuses on steering research efforts to bolster decisions and planning that are backed by data. Through the gathering, evaluation, and integration of information pertinent to Jordan's micro and small enterprise (MSE) landscape, it uncovers vital challenges, prospects, and the effect of various initiatives. Highlighting the significance of
methodical learning, it facilitates the ongoing refinement and adjustment of tactics in alignment with verified findings. This approach ensures the responsiveness of program endeavors to the prevailing economic and regulatory conditions, maximizing their impact toward achieving set goals. Engaging collaboratively with partners and stakeholders, this segment draws upon a wealth of shared knowledge and perspectives, creating a setting of growth and prosperity for MSEs.
The Position
The PPD Manager is dedicated to overseeing the planning and development of Iqlaa’s comprehensive Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) initiatives, aimed at enriching Jordan’s ecosystem for micro, small, and home-based businesses. Collaborating closely with consultants and the research and learning lead, this role focuses on fostering effective communication between the government and private sector to spur growth and policy reform. The manager will streamline the coordination of strategies and research across partners, ensuring alignment with Iqlaa’s objectives while monitoring consultants' progress. This position is essential for facilitating engaging dialogue cycles, identifying representative entities, and sharing research insights to inform smart decision-making that supports economic development and benefits Jordan's Micro, Small, and home-business landscape.
Essential Responsibilities
PPD PROCESS AND TOOLS DEVELOPMENT
● Managing the design and implementation of a PPD process and tools, leveraging research findings and evidence to inform constructive dialogue among ecosystem stakeholders;
● Oversee the development of participatory objective-setting frameworks, identify MSE priorities, determine representative stakeholders and design action plans with clear roles and responsibilities;
● Ensure the PPD process includes robust mechanisms for monitoring, reporting, documentation, and issue resolution.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
● Manage the identification and engagement with national umbrella organizations for the PPD process, ensuring alignment with organizational mandates, Iqlaa’s objectives, and sustainability.
● Oversee the delivery of Training of Trainers (TOT) to develop master PPD trainers and advocates, focusing on the importance of PPD and technical guidance for implementing the PPD process.
RESEARCH UTILIZATION AND EVIDENCE-BASED DIALOGUE
● Synthesize Iqlaa’s research findings into user-friendly formats such as infographics, case studies, presentations, and summary reports for effective dissemination among PPD stakeholders.
● Empower public and private sector participants in the PPD with the knowledge to engage effectively, identifying roles, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and other crucial elements for successful dialogue.
OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
● Manage, document, and publish the results of executing and scheduling PPD cycles, ensuring alignment with Iqlaa’s research and findings.
● Oversee the iterative PPD cycles, supporting facilitators from umbrella institutions in developing actions and initiatives tied to agreed-upon objectives.
● Foster strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and international donors to support the PPD process.
● Coordinate with consortium partners and other development projects to align efforts, avoid duplication, and maximize impact on the MSE sector.
ADVOCACY AND POLICY INFLUENCE
● Utilize PPD outcomes to advocate for regulatory and policy changes that support MSE sector development, working closely with government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders.
● Engage in high-level PPD platforms and negotiations to ensure MSE voices are heard and represented in policy-making processes.
Supervisory Responsibility
None.
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Research and Learning Team Lead
Works Directly With: Primarily with the Research and Learning Team, Iqlaa’s higher management (COP-DCOPs), Iqlaa’s Mercy Corps components, and partners.
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
● Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Economics, International Development, Law, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
● At least 4-5 years of experience in public-private dialogue, economic development, or a similar role focusing on micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and Home-Based Businesses (HBBs).
● Demonstrated understanding of Policy Frameworks and the ability to apply research findings to practical policy-making and economic growth strategies.
● Experience in USAID reporting style preferred, with an understanding of its requirements for narrative and financial reporting.
● Fluent in spoken and written Arabic and English.
Success Factors
The ideal candidate for the PPD Manager position will possess a blend of strategic vision and pragmatic operational skills, capable of conceptualizing and implementing initiatives that foster sustainable economic growth. Key to success is the ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders, and community representatives, ensuring their perspectives and contributions shape program outcomes. The ability to navigate complex policy environments and advocate for inclusive, evidence-based solutions is crucial. Adaptability,
cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement will enable the PPD Manager to respond effectively to changing needs and challenges. Strong leadership and communication skills, coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving, will ensure the PPD Manager can inspire teams, manage consultants effectively, and drive Iqlaa's objectives forward.
Competencies
- Strategic Thinking and Vision: Ability to see the big picture, develop innovative strategies, and guide the program towards long-term objectives.
- Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in fostering a collaborative environment among diverse stakeholders.
- Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Capacity to adjust strategies and approaches in response to new information or challenges.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Awareness and respect for cultural differences, with a commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the program and its interventions.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Amman, Jordan or other Middle East Mercy Corps locations and it requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Housing for this role is in individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and
values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning
courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
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